Leg cramping during pregnancy is quite commonly experienced, and it is normal and harmless.
However, it is something that can be painful and inconvenient; it may even disturb sleep and interrupt times of rest. So it is important that leg cramping during pregnancy is dealt with for relief from pain and disturbance.
As every woman is different so every pregnancy is different, and while many may suffer excruciating cramping in the legs during pregnancy; others have none at all.
The cramping may be in the lower legs, or higher up in the thighs. The kind of cramping and the degree of pain experienced may also differ greatly.
In particular, the way that certain nutrients such as calcium and potassium are metabolized changes and this is thought to contribute to leg cramping during pregnancy.
Also insufficient hydration (when pregnant one should be drinking more water than before) could be one of the causes.
It could also be that the legs cramp from having to bear the extra pregnancy weight that a woman inevitably puts on during her pregnancy. Also the expanding uterus puts pressure on the blood vessels further causing discomfort.
What is Restless Legs Syndrome? While some women experience pain, others experience for the first time in their lives a condition called Restless Legs Syndrome when they are pregnant. This is characterized by a discomfort in the legs; an oddly squirmy and uncomfortable sensation that is not painful but difficult to fully describe.
It causes the one to keep moving the legs in order to get a little relief and feel somewhat more comfortable. RLS can be very disruptive; particularly a good night’s sleep may well be disturbed.
Should I worry? Usually leg cramping during pregnancy is nothing to worry about; however if there is swelling and tenderness in the legs, it is advisable to call a doctor immediately. This could be a blood clot which will require immediate attention.
Leg cramping during pregnancy could be alleviated by the following:
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this is my third pregnancy, and i dont remeber having these legs cramps. Their killing me, i currently waitress right now, which doesn't help, when im at work thats when its worse! oh pregnancy!:) each pregnancy is different! im going to try walks and ask my doctor about vitamin d..somethings got to give!...Thanks
-Laura